Accidents in the Workplace: What to Do When Involved in One

Last Updated on February 15, 2022

Accidents in the workplace can happen at any time and often lead to serious injuries. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident at work, it is essential to know what to do. This guide will provide you with information on how to handle yourself after an accident at work, as well as what steps to take if you suffer an injury. Knowing the right steps after a workplace accident can help ensure that you receive the necessary medical attention and make a successful workers’ compensation claim. Read on for more information.

Remain Calm

It would be best if you did not panic after an accident at work. The first step you should take is to assess any danger present, such as a fire or chemical spill, and then seek safety. After the scene has been secured, and it is safe to do so, you can look into ways to help yourself or anyone else who has been involved in the incident. Do not move any injured parties unless they risk further harm. If you must move an injured party, then make sure that you use extreme caution with their head and neck area. 

Call 911 Immediately

Many people think they can handle the situation independently, but this is not always the case. There are many reasons why you should call 911 after an accident. Calling 911 will get you the medical attention you need. It will allow the authorities to document the accident and create a report, which can be valuable when you file a claim with your insurance company. 

Obtain Medical Attention if Necessary

Those with severe injuries are often taken directly from the workplace by ambulance for further care. Even those with seemingly minor wounds should visit a doctor, as they could have a more severe condition that they are unaware of. It is also essential to see a doctor if you or anyone else has suffered some form of trauma, as it can be challenging to determine the full extent of the problem on your own.

After receiving treatment for your workplace injury, be sure to get a copy of your medical records, whether from a doctor or from the hospital itself. Keeping these records safe or seeking an electronic copy online is essential. You may want proof of any preexisting conditions discussed at appointments with your primary care physician.

Seek Legal Assistance from a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Everyone deserves a safe working environment. According to the folks at Work Injury Rights,  if you have been injured in the workplace due to the negligence of another person or employer, you have the right to receive compensation. Workers’ compensation is meant to ensure that employees receive benefits related to their injuries, medical expenses incurred due to those injuries, and lost wages if they cannot work. Knowing how to file a claim can help ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim and provide guidance throughout the entire process. 

Do Not Discuss Options with Your Employer

Your employer may try to sway you into making decisions about your case before talking with an attorney. If you can, avoid discussing options with them. You do not need to sign anything right away and consult an attorney before making any agreement. Engaging in talks without consulting an attorney can jeopardize future claims.

Gather Evidence for Your Claim

After you have received medical attention and the scene has calmed down, you should gather evidence for your claim. If you are injured at work, gather any documents related to the event, then file a report with your employer. If someone else is injured, obtain their permission before taking pictures of them. Take notes on what happened during the accident at work, and document all injuries you experienced.

Identify Witnesses

You may not be the only person who saw what happened, and it is helpful to identify any witnesses who can come forward and provide a statement about what they saw take place. The witnesses’ accounts will help build your case if you choose to make a workers’ compensation claim against your employer or their insurance company. If possible, ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses. This information can be used as evidence in court if necessary.

Do Not Quit Your Job

Stress over your situation may cause you to want to quit your job, but giving notice will not help anyone in this situation, so it is best not to do so. It takes time for an investigation to occur when filing a workers’ compensation claim and quitting your job could give the employer or insurance company the right to deny the claim altogether.

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement

Employers or insurance companies may attempt to make you give a recorded statement after an accident at work. Try not to do so until you have consulted with an attorney, who can advise you of the ramifications that taking such action could cause in your case. 

You could weaken your claims if anything said in the recording is deemed incorrect by opposing parties, and it could even hurt future cases should there be more accidents in the future.

Keep Copies of All Paperwork Related to Your Case

The unfortunate truth is that many people do not win workers’ compensation cases because all pertinent documentation was not saved when filing. Those aware they have a good chance of winning do everything to keep copies of medical bills, doctor’s reports, timesheets, and any other paperwork related to their case. By keeping everything in one place, you will be able to represent yourself well in court if necessary without worrying about whether or not you have misfiled documents somewhere along the way.

In summary, after being involved in an accident at work, it is essential to know that you are not the only one with rights when it comes to filing a claim. By understanding how to do so, you can ensure your claims process goes smoothly and help ensure your future financial security in case of serious injury.